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St Bernard of Clairvaux
Oracle of the 12th Century
by Fr. Theodore Ratisbonne, NDS

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux is not as well-known as he should be. He is a saint who dominated his times and era with extraordinary accomplishments. Born in 1091 to a noble family in France, he was educated well. When his mother died shortly after he turned 19, he thought at last of retiring from the world to the life of solitude and prayer. He joined the Benedictine community of Cîteaux, which was intending to return to a strict following of the Rule of St. Benedict. Later he was sent to found a monastery at Vallée d'Absinthe, renamed by Bernard "Claire Vallée," which later became "Clairvaux." Bernard became abbot and soon was founding other monasteries. His rule was so austere that his own health deteriorated, and many monks became discouraged and mournful, but by humble inspiration, Bernard was induced to lighten the burden somewhat. 

Bernard was invited to guide multiple councils, starting with the Council of Troyes, where he wrote the rule of the Knights Templar. He supported the true pope, Innocent II, during a schism that arose after the death of Honorius II, traversing Europe to secure secular and religious support for the true successor of Peter. He refused the Archbishopric of Milan, preferring the cloister, and wrote numerous illustrious works that would gain him in later history the title of "Mellifluous" Doctor. Continuing to administer at councils, he put down the errors of Peter Abelard and others, founded 163 monasteries over all Western Europe, and preached the Second Crusade. He drove out demons and prophesied, acquiring many miracles to his name. Above all, St. Bernard wished to be holy, united to God through Mary; his writings on her were chief reasons for his becoming a Doctor of the Church.

In this short biography, find the tale of a man who had power and influence on more matters than most can dream of yet who took no joy in the world or pride in successes, ever longing rather to return to his cell. Here is truly a story to make you weep.

Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 464 pages

Sharp penance for remembered sins helps stouthearted Christians seize heaven, but gentler souls like Our Blessed Lady and scores of her saints have trod a different path. Their souls are possessed by gratitude, inspired by the remembrance of past benefits, and filled with wonder at the abundant loving-kindness of God.

As Father Faber shows, gratitude is the fertile soil from which springs an ardent, exuberant love of Christ – a love that can be yours as well. These wise pages reveal the critical role that gratitude plays in your sanctification, and they'll remind you of the many things the Lord has given you for which you should be grateful each moment of every day. Here you'll also learn:

• That thanksgiving is the very essence of Christian worship
• Why gratitude is easiest way to heaven and the surest path to joy
• How gratitude dissolves pride even faster than penance
• How gratitude can make you like the Angels themselves
• That ingratitude is the hidden sin of too many good people (What about you?)
• Why you should even be grateful — yes — for blessings received by your enemies
• How gratitude often wins souls more quickly than preaching
• Why it's scandalous that we neglect gratitude more than prayer
• Why you should even be grateful for your troubles
• That gratitude brings far more blessings than most of us ever suspect